Jul 30 3 things to do instead of mindless bingeing.

Do you ever get the feeling like you’re in some pathetic rendition of Groundhog Day? You get up, go to work, do the same things you always do, come home, do more of the same things you always do, and go to bed, only to repeat it all over again the next day?

Sometimes, we need a mental break at the end of the day. And that's okay. But I think it’s easy to fall into this sort of negative routine that enables us to repeat the same boring, unproductive, unfulfilling behaviors over and over again.

The next time you find yourself mindlessly browsing Netflix or scrolling through Facebook, try one of these things instead:

Learn a new skill.

There are literally hundreds of resources (many of them free) all over the internet to help you learn a new skill. In the past two weeks, I have learned the basics of two Microsoft programs just by watching YouTube tutorials.

Learning a new skill may be beneficial for you professionally or personally, but it is also extremely healthy for your mind. Learning new skills over your lifetime improves brain function and can even help stave off dementia as you age.

Next time you can’t find something to watch, think of a skill you want to learn, and learn it.

Create something.

Do you like to write? Draw? Play music? Take pictures? Make jewelry? Create something. Make art. Record a song. Take a drive around your city and find cool things to take pictures of. Cultivate your creative side!

Not motivating enough? Search for local creative events in your area (you can use a website like festivalnet to help you find events). Find an art walk or an open mic night and sign up. Then spend time each day creating or practicing for it.

Declutter.

Or clean. Or organize. Do one thing each day that you’ve been putting off. Take some time to invest time in your home. Few things are more motivation killing than a cluttered or messy living space. Take 15 minutes to work on some part of your home and improve it. Not sure where to start? Check out this, this, and this.

Resist the urge to let your time waste away with boredom. Start developing new habits that will enrich your life. Who knows? Maybe it will create opportunities you haven’t imagined. What have you got to lose?